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LEADER in the next England RDP (2014-2020) Scottish LEADER Conference 20 th March 2014. David Wilford Head of LEADER and Socio-economic policy, Defra. LEADER in RDP 2007-13. 46% of current programme already directly supporting rural growth.
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LEADER in the next England RDP (2014-2020) Scottish LEADER Conference 20th March 2014 David Wilford Head of LEADER and Socio-economic policy, Defra
LEADER in RDP 2007-13 46% of current programme already directly supporting rural growth... Other activity that also indirectly contributes to growth but not easily measured...
LEADER in RDP 2007-13 What have we achieved in 2007-13 Programme? • 64 LAGs in England covering approximately 70% of England’s rural areas with a total budget of £138m (5%) • Mainly Axis 3 but also some Axis 1 depending on location • Over 1000 civil society representatives involved. • Over 4,200 projects approved. • Over 2,600 jobs created. • More than 700 micro-enterprises supported, nearly 200 new ones created. • Over 300 farm modernisation projects delivered • Over 21,000 training days delivered • 1,420 villages benefitted from LEADER projects • Tourism: >115,000 overnights stays, >800,000 days visits
LEADER in the next RDPE Overview • Up to £140m LEADER budget - aim is to allocate this more evenly across LAGs. • Budget may allow slight increase/change in coverage, subject to approval of final applications. • LEADER will increase support for jobs and growth in rural areas. • Envisage 70% of projects directly supporting the rural economy, with the remaining 30% all needing to make an contribution. • Six priority policy areas / related measures covering farm productivity, micro and small enterprises and farm diversification, rural tourism, rural services, cultural and heritage and forestry productivity • Competitive application process will be open to new / existing groups. • All groups in place by 1st January 2015. • Requirements will be set out in “National Delivery Framework”
Application process 2014 (4 Phases) Phase 1 – now to March/April • Offer of preparatory support to new groups/top up to existing ones. Phase 2 – April -May • All potential LEADER groups (existing + prospective) to define their geographic coverage and submit mapping information to Defra (used for allocation purposes). • All informed of indicative budget allocation. Phase 3 – May – September - October • Prospective LEADER groups to develop and submit a full Local Development Strategy. • Deadline 1st September 2014. • Defra national selection Panel. Phase 4 – October - November • LEADER groups informed of outcome of Panel. • Programme allocations/adjustments based on LDS. • Contracting arrangements put into place by 31 December 2014.
Defra support in 2014…. £3m of transition / preparatory funding for LEADER • We have already allocated over £2m of this money to the existing 64 LAGs to help to retain capacity and expertise and work toward a Local Development Strategy • Up to £20k per group offered for new, prospective LEADER groups National Delivery Framework • Giving clear direction on policy and delivery requirements National Operating Manual • Covering key and ancillary controls (subject to change throughout programming period) Workshops • Workshops on preparing aspects of Local Development Strategies – supported via the RDPE Network (NRN).
What will make LEADER a success? • Clear purpose and direction understood and agreed by all • Retaining and building on the “7 rules of LEADER” • Developing strong building blocks – LDS, RDP, V&C • Making the most of new communication and IT approaches • Starting delivery earlier, managing budgets better • A nationally consistent approach that allows for local distinctiveness • Evolving and adapting throughout the programme period • Making the most of the NRN support • Open and transparent working relations, including a ‘no surprises’ approach Understanding and respecting our roles…
LEADER in the next England RDP (2014-2020) Scottish LEADER Conference 20th March 2014 David Wilford Head of LEADER and Socio-economic policy, Defra